A Good Start to a Positive Week

With all the detrimental incidents that have occurred so far this year, I think it is important to highlight some of the great things that are happening on campus. Thank you to all of those who participated in the First Look Fair. We had the largest turnout ever in terms of participating organizations and total attendance. A special thanks to Ramsey Jabaji and Ruth Igielnik for their hard work. We have good news on student housing as well. Not only have I been in contact with several interested developers to discuss potential student housing projects in College Park, but the University's South Campus Public-Private partnership generated a significant amount of interest which is a very good sign. Also, the East Campus Student Focus Group and Community Steering Committee both met this week to discuss the markets for retail, hotel, housing, etc. It was really interesting and I encourage you to check out the project on www.eastcampus.umd.edu. Lastly, OMSE's Unity Welcome on Friday was a great success with 125 participating organizations. I doubt there could ever be a more fitting time to welcome unity in our community; and I am proud to have been able to participate.

I know everyone is concerned with the recent crimes that have gone on in College Park. I share your sentiments wholeheartedly. I would like to offer some good news, though. Today I learned of a student who noticed a suspicious person and promptly called the police. Her diligence has led to the police having a good chance of catching a criminal. Please call the police ANYTIME you are suspicious of someone or something. It never hurts to dial 3 numbers and it makes all the difference in the world. I am staying in communication with the PGCPD and campus police as we get through this difficult time.

I hope that this week can be one where the positive outweighs the negative. I would like to start off the positive week by announcing that the SGA's 2nd Annual Crab Fest will be held on October 4th. Thanks to the generosity of the Division of Student Affairs, the Alumni Association, and the Division of Administative Affairs, tickets are available for just $8. This is $4.50 cheaper than last year and the tickets sold out early so get them fast!

I hope to see you on Friday from 1-2 pm in the Baltimore Room if not before then. Let's make the news this week for all the great things we're doing!

Best,
Andrew